Rev. John W. Snyder

Rev. John W. Snyder, 91, of West Kittanning, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 at his home.  He was born July 10, 1933 in Franklin, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Oliver "Howdy" and Oneita Snyder, and resided in the community for 67 years.  He graduated from Anderson College and Theological Seminary, then continued his studies at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, receiving a Master's Degree from the University of Pittsburgh.  John pastored at Parker Church of God, Woodward Avenue Church of God, North Main Street Church of God and St. Luke's United Church of Christ.  He retired from St. Luke's United Church of Christ after 57 years in the ministry.  He served on the Salvation Army  Advisory Board for over two decades with two terms as chairman.  John and his wife also owned and operated the Christian Book and Gift Shops in Kittanning, Butler, Indiana and Franklin, Pennsylvania.  He enjoyed spending his time golfing, watching the Buffalo Bills on Sundays in the fall, PITT basketball in the winter and the Pittsburgh Pirates in the spring, as well as coaching his grandsons in youth baseball.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially after church for Sunday dinner and vacationing together in Stone Harbor.  

He leaves behind to forever cherish his memory, his wife of 72 years, Phyllis I. Snyder, of West Kittanning; daughters, Cynthia S. Snyder, of Ford City and Rebecca K. Snyder, of West Kittanning; grandsons, Stephen (Amanda) Gilliland and Joshua (Samantha) Gilliland, of Kittanning; great-grandchildren, Caleb Gilliland and Colin Gilliland, of Kittanning, Karter Gilliland and Kiptyn Gilliland, of Plum, and Lucas Gilliland and Avery Gilliland, of Kittanning.  In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Myers; his brother, Thomas Snyder; and mother-in-law, Iva Norris.  

Friends will be received on Monday, December 9, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home, 200 S. McKean St., Kittanning, Pa.  Additional visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m., with Rev. Samuel Swick officiating.  Burial will be in Kittanning Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to Brother's Brother Foundation, 1200 Galveston Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212 or Light of Life Rescue Mission, 234 Voeghtly St., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212.   

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